As here defined, Jacaranda puberula refers to an arborescent species usually found in gallery forest, growing around 4 - 7 metres tall but sometimes reaching 20 metres. A closely related, shrubby form usually found in savannah, is treated under Jacaranda caroba (Vell.) A.DC.[].

Common Name: Caroba

General Information

Jacaranda puberula is usually a small, deciduous tree growing from 4 - 7 metres tall, though there are reports of it sometimes reaching 20 metres. The bole can be 30 - 40cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for its timber and medicinal uses. A very ornamental tree, it is used in landscaping and in street plantings, especially in narrow streets[].
Jacaranda puberula has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina, eastern Brazil, north to Pernambuco.

Habitat

Areas of primary forest, and also in secondary growth areas of Auracaria forest,coastal evergreen forest, semi-deciduous forest, montane forest, and even in wooded savannah; at elevations up to 1,300 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Jacaranda puberula is a tree of the subtropical and tropical zones, where it can be found from near sea level up to 1,000 metres or more.
Prefers a sunny position[].
When planted out, seedlings usually establish fairly well, growing away moderately well but seldom exceeding a height of 3 metres in two years[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is strongly sudorific[]. It is used in the treatment of venereal, skin and rheumatic affections and lymph node swelling[].

The bark and young shoots are used therapeutically as a depurative and anti-syphilitic[].

The leaves are used in the treatment of colds[].
The leaves have been shown to have antibacterial and antileishmanial[]. They are bacteriostatic and bactericidal against Staphylococcus aureus ( a bacteria that can cause skin infections, food poisoning etc)[].


The plant (part not specified) is traditionally used as a blood purifier[].

Preparations made from the leaves are used to rid the body of uric acid, which is useful in treating cases of rheumatism and blenorrhagia[]. It is also used to deal with bladder problems and externally to treat ulcers, eczema, wounds etc[].

Other Uses

The heartwood and sapwood are indistinct. The wood is soft, moderately heavy, moderately textured, even to irregular grain, of low resistance to rot when exposed to humidity[]. It is used for the indoor finish in buildings, general carpentry, door panels, skirting boards etc[]. The wood is used as pulp for paper making[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a very short viability and so should be sown as soon as it is ripe[]. Sow in a semi-shaded position in a nursery seedbed. Germination rates are usually 80% or more, with the seed sprouting within 8 - 15 days. Pot the seedlings up into individual containers when they are 5 - 6cm tall[].
Cuttings of semi-ripe wood with a heel[].

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